No One is Responding to Your Emails

Whether you're a new college graduate seeking your first job, a recent layoff hoping to get back on the career scene or an industry professional yearning for a change of scenery, the job search can be stressful. When your emails get no response, don't get frustrated or lose hope. Follow these five tips to ensure your emails don't go unanswered any longer.

1. Be Patient

When you're on the job hunt and anxious to hear good news, a single day may feel like weeks or months. Understand that the person you emailed is likely busy with other work and not capable of providing an immediate response. Whether you submitted a job application packet or are waiting to hear about a second interview, wait a full business week before you send a follow-up email.

2. Know When to Make Contact

Make it a habit to only send out follow-up emails during the middle of the week. As the beginning of the workweek, Monday can be a busy, stressful or exhausting day, and you don't want to add to a hiring manager's aggravation. Further, your email may get buried beneath other work and correspondence in your recipient's inbox if you send it on a highly productive workday.

3. Provide Value

Rather than sending an email that simply asks the hiring manager if your application packet was reviewed, provide something of value. Search for an article that relates to the industry or the organization, and send it with a simple note letting the recipient know you saw the article and thought he might enjoy it. Not only does this remind the person to contact you, but it also provides him with an article of professional value.

4. Rework Your Resume

If you've sent out dozens of application packets to no avail, it may be time to revamp your resume. Make sure your resume and cover letter highlight your accomplishments rather than just listing your job duties. Use branding statements to set yourself apart from other candidates. Proofread all your application documents for grammar and spelling errors before you submit them.

5. Broaden Your Job Search Strategies

Use more than one method to apply for positions. Check the classified ads, and read job boards. Use social media sites, including Facebook and LinkedIn, to post your resume and network with others in your desired industry.

When your emails get no response, it's important to diagnose the reason without getting irritated or giving up hope on the job search. If it's only been a few days, wait a little longer. If your emails continue to go unanswered, you may need to rethink your job search strategy. Update your resume and start networking more to increase your chances of getting called for an interview.

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